Nelson Cassinger

b. 1941, Columbus, Ohio

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2004-2005 Private Exhibition
2004 International Invitational Exhibition, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
2002 Small Treasures, del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

2004 500 Wood Bowls, Lark Books, Sterling Press
2003 American Woodturner, Fall
2001 Woodturning (England), October

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Nelson E. Cassinger has been working on a lathe for several years. He knew at the age of 15 he wanted to work with wood when he turned a lamp in wood class in high school. His dream became a reality when he and his wife, Mary, attended a wood show in Southern California where Stuart Mortimer was demonstrating the art. Inspired by the demonstration, he wanted to pursue the lathe further. From there, he took woodturning classes from Rex Birmingham, Mike Mahoney and Stuart Mortimer at Craft Supplies USA where he was introduced to several world-class turners, including Dale Nish, who played an important part through his support and encouragement. His passion was then inspired by the segmented works of Ray Allen. He knew that the artistic designs were limitless and the challenge was something he wanted to pursue. He feels very fortunate to have met Ray prior to his passing.

When asked what he likes most about segmented vessels, he will tell you it’s the challenge of creating a design and having it work. "Just a boy playing with blocks…." Nelson has the ability to see the finished product even before he selects his materials – an art that was developed when he was painting custom cars and motorcycles.
Nelson has been employed for 22 years as the paint foreman of Breslin Builders, a large general contractor in Las Vegas. On his free time and weekends you will find him in his wood shop. If he is not dreaming about the time he can retire from full-time employment, he is planning the design of his next piece, thinking about the next symposium he will attend or visiting the many friends he has acquired at Craft Supplies USA.

Nelson is a member of AAW and a charter member of the new Las Vegas Woodturners, a recently formed chapter with a growing membership. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Nelson has lived in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1974.